Watch out, Ouachita
All-star FLW final round underway in Arkansas, $110,000 at stake
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – With little fanfare and even littler sunlight, the strongest FLW final-round pro field of the season quietly made its way into the chilly air of Lake Ouachita this morning for what should be one of the most competitive days of pro fishing yet this year.
The anglers took off at 6:15 a.m. in order to get an early jump on a shorter day of fishing.
The 10 pros fishing in today’s one-day shootout for a top prize of $110,000 already have a combined six victories and $2.2 million in career earnings on tour. Eight of the 10 have already previously competed multiple times in the elusive FLW final round. Three of competitive fishing’s biggest names – Gary Klein, Rick Clunn and Kevin VanDam – provide the bulk of those wins and cash, but all three have rarely fished directly against one another with so much at stake.
With such a veteran field, the sense around the dock at takeoff was one of pure focus – and confidence.
“This tournament has played out pretty much exactly as I expected,” said a poised and intimidating Clunn.
These guys – all champions in their own right – don’t just expect to win today, it seems that they might become annoyed if they don’t. When congratulated on his impressive record of three runner-up finishes in just two years on tour this morning, last year’s Angler of the Year VanDam responded, more seriously than glibly, “Yeah, thanks for reminding me of that.”
The stage is set. The brass ring is $110,000. There are 10 of the world’s best anglers on Lake Ouachita who know exactly how they want to grab it.
But only one will reach it. Who’s it going to be?
Today’s weigh-in takes place at 2 p.m. CST at the Wal-Mart Supercenter store located at 1601 Albert Pike Boulevard in Hot Springs. The showdown will be broadcast nationally live on PAX TV and at Wal-Mart stores nationwide.
Vital statistics
Sunrise: 6:21 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 43 degrees
Expected high temperature: 58 degrees
Water temperature: 50 degrees
Wind: From the north, northeast at 10 mph
Relative humidity: 68 percent
Day’s outlook: Cloudy with light rain developing this afternoon
Day-four link: